Coleman gears up for Canada Day celebration
Music, games, and community spirit return to Flumerfelt Park and beyond
The Coleman Community Society has begun working on plans for its annual Canada Day celebration, with a full day of events set to bring families and neighbours together across the community.
The festivities will begin with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Coleman Legion from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. After the breakfast, the Legion will continue to welcome visitors for a flag raising, awards ceremony, barbecue and beer gardens. Live music is scheduled to run from 12 to 5 p.m.
The Canada Day parade starts at 11 a.m., beginning at Flumerfelt Park and making its way through the community. This year’s parade theme is “Celebrating Music in the Crowsnest Pass,” and entries are still welcome. Residents can register by contacting Jane Ann Reimer at 403-563-0265 or by email at reimcons@telus.net.
Following the parade, Flumerfelt Park will be a hub of activity until 4 p.m. with air jumps, balloon animals from Twisten Tex, carnival-style games, live music by Kevin Smith, and a Canada Day cake served at 1 p.m. This year, organizers have arranged for two air jumps and two balloon artists to meet increased demand.
Across the street, the Coleman Seniors Centre will host a strawberry tea and bake sale immediately after the parade until 2 p.m. or while supplies last. There is an admission fee for the tea, which has proven to be a popular attraction in past years.
Meanwhile, in Blairmore’s Train Park, families can enjoy train rides and a barbecue hosted by the Blairmore Lions Club from 12 to 3 p.m.
The Crowsnest Museum in downtown Coleman will also be open by donation throughout the day. However, the nearby Police Barracks will remain closed until July 4.
Food trucks, hot dogs, and pizza by the slice from Vito’s will be available in the park to keep attendees fed while they take part in the day’s activities.
Pamela Newton, writing on behalf of Jane Ann Reimer who is recovering from an injury, noted that the society is proud to keep the Canada Day tradition alive in Coleman.